Inflatable spreading tool

ABSTRACT

Method of performing a maintenance operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members that includes providing an inflatable spreading tool in a deflated condition, inserting the inflatable spreading tool between at least two of the elongated members, inflating the inflatable spreading tool so as to increase the separation between the elongated members. A system for use in facilitating a maintenance operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle of elongated members is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application relates and claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/422,381, filed on Dec. 13, 2010 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/432,064, filed on Jan. 12, 2011.

FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an inflatablespreading tool for use in the maintenance and/or retrofitting of heatexchangers and other process equipment having bundles of tubing andother elongated members. The methods and systems are particularlyapplicable to heat exchangers that are provided with Anti-VibrationTechnology (AVT) devices.

BACKGROUND

Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) exists that can improve the reliabilityand performance of heat exchangers and other process equipment having atleast one bundle of elongated members. Support devices for a bundle ofelongated members are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.7,032,655, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIG. 1depicts an exemplary AVT device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,655.

Other AVT devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,164, whichinclude a plurality of engaging members extending from a pair ofopposing faces, as shown in FIG. 2. Still further support devices areshown in FIG. 3, from U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,130 and FIG. 4, from U.S. Pat.No. 7,343,964. U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,684 provides an AVT device in theform of a support device and locking assembly, an embodiment of which isdepicted in FIG. 5. All of these AVT devices, including other AVTdevices known to those of ordinary skill in the art, can be used inconjunction with the presently disclosed methods and systems. Each ofthe patents identified herein is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

The effective thickness of an AVT device, such as dimpled tube support(DTS) strips, may be, at times, a little greater than desired. Tubes mayalso become slightly distorted over time and block the passage of thestrips through the tubelane. Thus, the thickness of the unsupported tubespan may vary from one location to another. In any event, substantialflexibility can be provided if the thickness of the unsupported tubespan can be made more uniform.

While AVT and other retrofitting devices could be provided withdifferent thicknesses in a given heat exchanger, it would be moredesirable to have a single thickness for the AVT device (e.g., DTSstrips) to improve efficiency, reliability and ease of placement. Also,if the AVT is too large, it can be damaged during insertion into thebundle owing to the high forces that could be needed to install thedevice.

Current methods to install AVT devices include, but are not limited to,the use of a mallet to apply force to the AVT device, as well as the useof crowbars to spread the tubes apart when the AVT device is too tightto fit in the tubelane. Manual manipulation is especially needed if anAVT device needs to be removed from the bundle (e.g., incorrect locationor because the tubelane is partially blocked by distorted tubes). Thisprocess could take up to 15 minutes per AVT device, and there is adesire to reduce maintenance time in order to decrease plant downtime. Amore efficient approach is desired, preferably one that also reduces thelikelihood of damage to the tubes.

While improved heat exchanger operation can be provided by retrofittingvarious internal devices, such as AVT devices, including but not limitedto, those disclosed above, into process equipment having at least onebundle of elongated members, there is a general need to decrease downtime due to the implementation of these design improvements. Forexample, there is a desire to make the installation, maintenance andretrofitting of AVT devices easier and less time consuming.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present application, a method ofperforming an operation on a process equipment having at least onebundle of elongated members is provided. The method includes providingan inflatable spreading tool in a deflated condition, inserting theinflatable spreading tool between at least two adjacent elongatedmembers, the adjacent elongated members being spaced an initial distancefrom each other, and inflating the inflatable spreading tool to increasethe distance between the adjacent elongated members.

According to another aspect of the present application, a system for usein an operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle ofelongated members is provided. The system includes an inflatablespreading tool including a tubular member having a proximal end and adistal end, the tubular member having a deflated state and an inflatedstate. The tubular member is sized to fit between at least two adjacentelongated members when deflated, the two adjacent elongated membersbeing spaced an initial distance from each other. The inflatablespreading tool further includes a coupling for fluid communication witha pressurizing source to inflate the tubular member to the inflatedstate, the tubular member capable of increasing the distance between theadjacent elongated members when the tubular member is in the inflatedstate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representation of an AVT device as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,032,655.

FIG. 2 is a representation of an AVT device as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,267,164.

FIG. 3 is a representation of an AVT device as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,128,130.

FIG. 4 is a representation of an AVT device as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,343,964.

FIG. 5 is a representation of an AVT device as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,506,684.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an inflatable spreading tool inthe form of a flat hose in a deflated condition.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the inflatable spreading tool ofFIG. 6 in an inflated condition.

FIG. 8 is a schematic showing the placement of a support plate and AVTdevice for a heat exchanger with a U-bend region.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of an inflatable spreading tool in the form of aflat hose with a push-in design, and FIGS. 9 x-9 z are cross sectionviews at x-x, y-y, and z-z, respectively.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of an inflatable spreading tool in the form of ametallic flat tube, and FIGS. 10A and 10B are enlarged cross sectionviews in the deflated and inflated conditions, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the various aspects of thepresently disclosed subject matter. The systems of the disclosed subjectmatter will be described in conjunction with, and understood from, thedetailed description of the methods.

According to one aspect of the present application, a method ofperforming an operation on a process equipment having at least onebundle of elongated members is provided. The method includes providingan inflatable spreading tool in a deflated condition, inserting theinflatable spreading tool between at least two adjacent elongatedmembers, the adjacent elongated members being spaced an initial distancefrom each other; and inflating the inflatable spreading tool to increasethe distance between the adjacent elongated members.

In one embodiment, the method further includes inserting a devicebetween the adjacent elongated members, and subsequently deflating theinflatable spreading tool. The device can be an anti-vibrationtechnology (AVT) device. According to one embodiment, the processequipment is a heat exchanger and the elongated members are tubes.

The inflatable spreading tool can include a flat tubular member, such asa flat hose or a flat metallic tube. The inflatable spreading tool canbe inflated with a gas, such as air, or alternatively, the inflatablespreading tool can be inflated with a liquid such as an oil or water.The inflatable spreading tool can include a rigid strip to facilitateinsertion between two adjacent elongated members. The rigid strip can beconnected to the tubular member. Alternatively, a distal end of theinflatable spreading tool can be welded to form a closed end.

According to another aspect of the present application, a system for usein an operation on a process equipment having at least one bundle ofelongated members is provided. The system includes an inflatablespreading tool including a tubular member having a proximal end and adistal end, the tubular member having a deflated state and an inflatedstate. The tubular member is sized to fit between at least two adjacentelongated members when deflated, the two adjacent elongated membersbeing spaced an initial distance from each other. The inflatablespreading tool further includes a coupling for fluid communication witha pressurizing source to inflate the tubular member to the inflatedstate, the tubular member capable of increasing the distance between theadjacent elongated members when the tubular member is in the inflatedstate.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides a simple, inexpensiveand very effective tool to spread apart tubes or other elongated membersto provide easy placement of, for example, AVT devices in the desiredlocations within process equipment having bundles of tubing and otherelongated members. The presently disclosed device can be placed in thesame tubelane as, and adjacent to, the intended AVT device location.Once in position, the inflatable spreading tool is pressurized to createan adequate space for placement of the AVT device in the desiredlocation. Then the inflatable spreading tool is deflated and removedfrom the tube bundle with, for example, the AVT device in position. Thepresently disclosed inflatable spreading tool can improve the robustnessand acceptability of devices to, internally applied to, for example,heat exchangers.

The described invention provides substantial benefits, including (a)faster installation (especially, when the AVT device thickness isgreater than ideal and/or when some tubes are distorted), (b) safer andfaster removal of AVT devices, and (c) reduced risk of damage to AVTdevices.

For purpose of illustration and not limitation, FIG. 6 depicts aplurality of elongated members or tubes (55) of a heat exchanger. Therows of tubes are spread an initial distance from each other. Inoperation, it is desirable to position a device, such as an AVT device,between adjacent rows of tubes. Due to tolerances and variations indimensions, it may be desirable or necessary to increase the initialdistance between the tubes to facilitate placement of the AVT device orthe like.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic of an inflatable spreading tool made of aflat hose in the deflated condition. The flat hose is sized to slide inthe tubelane between the tube rows. In this non-limiting embodiment, thehose measures 3 to 4 mm in thickness for the 90° and 45° tube layouts.Alternatively, the total thickness of the inflatable hose can be 2 mm orless for 30° and 60° tube layouts. In one embodiment, the flat-hoseinflatable spreading tool is to be capable of withstanding a pressure ofat least 15 bar(g), or more alternatively, of at least 25 bar(g).

As shown in FIG. 6, for purpose of illustration and not limitation, adeflated hose (10) made of, for example, a rubber-based material orpolyvinyl chloride (PVC) is provided having a proximal end (20) and adistal end (30). The distal end of the hose is sealed and attached viasuitable constructs, such as glue and rivets (40), to a sturdy metalstrip (50). This construction reinforces the hose as well as facilitatespulling the hose through the tube bundle (55) for proper positioning forinflation. A hole (15) is provided to allow, for example, a leader to betied to the sturdy metal strip. The tube member of the inflatablespreading tool includes a coupling for connection to a pressurizedsource. For example, the proximal end of the hose includes an adapter tobe attached to an air-supply system (60) through a pressure regulator(70) and a quick connector (80) or the like. The adapter embodied hereinis secured to the tube member by a hose clamp (90) or the like. Theair-supply system in this exemplary embodiment is also provided with apressure indicator (110) and a relief valve (120) to provide pressurecontrol and safety. The source of high-pressure air (130) could be, forexample, from a shop air system or through the use of a foot pump thatis generally used to inflate bicycle or automobile tires. Alternatively,pressurized fluid such as oil, water or other liquids can be used.

FIG. 7 depicts the hose of FIG. 6 in inflated condition (140), in whichthe same reference numerals refer back to the description used in FIG.6. As the hose is inflated the distance between the tubes which are incontact with the inflatable hose is increased. For example, the distancebetween the two tubes in the tube bundle can be increased by up to 3 mm,thereby creating adequate space between the tubes so that an AVT devicecan be inserted easily into the tubelane, optionally with the furtherapplication of a much smaller force (e.g., from a mallet). Non limitingexamples AVT devices are shown in FIGS. 1-5. Once the AVT device isproperly placed, the flat-hose inflatable spreading tool shall bedeflated and removed from the tube bundle.

In some situations, it can be desirable to insert the inflatablespreading tool without access from the other side of the bundle. This isespecially the case for AVT devices used within the U-bend region as itis desirable for the inflatable spreading tool to be positioned parallelto the major axis of the tube bundle within the U-bend region. As shownin FIG. 8, the inner end of the AVT device (240) inserted in the U-bendhas no access from the exterior of the bundle owing to the presence of aU-bend support plate (250).

In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, a structural frame, such as two metalstiffeners (150) are provided along sides of the flat hose. In thismanner, the inflatable spreading tool can be inserted into the tubebundle without substantial effort or access from the distal side. Inthis embodiment, a bracket (160) sandwiches the flat hose and metalstiffeners at the distal end. If desired, a small force can be applied(e.g., by means of a mallet) at the outer end of the metal stiffeners.The inner end of the flat hose is sealed using suitable construction,such as rivets (190) (or additionally through the use of a strong glue,etc.) and, together with the stiffener bars, sandwiched between metalstrips. The outer end of the stiffener bars is connected to asemi-cylindrical plate (see Section 9 z) to accommodate the inflatableflat hose. Furthermore, a full-penetration weld (170) is provided alongthe line (180) noted in FIG. 9.

It is also possible and, perhaps, preferable for safety reasons to use aliquid or fluid to pressurize the flat-hose system. This fluid can be,for example an oil, water or other liquid. In this case, it would benecessary to drive the fluid back from the hose to a small reservoirwhen the hose needs to be deflated.

FIG. 10 depicts an inflatable spreading tool made of a flat metallictube (200), sized to be thin enough to be inserted into tubelanes whenin a deflated condition. A pressurized hydraulic supply (210) isprovided to inflate the tube, and a liquid return line (220) is providedto return the liquid to a reservoir during deflation. When the pressureis released, the tube returns to its original near-flat, deflatedcondition. This embodiment allows spreading of tubes arranged in atriangular layout where the unobstructed tubelane width is only about 2mm. The same reference numerals used with respect to FIG. 6 refer to thesame features in FIG. 10.

During fabrication of the flat metallic tube, a metallic rod (not shown)can be inserted when forming each edge (230) of the flat tube, as shownin FIG. 10. This minimizes stress concentration that would otherwiseoccur at the folded edges.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specificembodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of theinvention in addition to those described herein will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the foregoing description and theaccompanying figures. Such modifications are intended to fall within thescope of the appended claims.

It is further to be understood that all values are approximate, and areprovided for description.

Patents, patent applications, publications, product descriptions, andprotocols are cited throughout this application, the disclosures of eachof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

1. A method of performing an operation on a process equipment having atleast one bundle of elongated members comprising: (a) providing aninflatable spreading tool in a deflated condition; (b) inserting theinflatable spreading tool between at least two adjacent elongatedmembers, the adjacent elongated members being spaced an initial distancefrom each other; (c) inflating the inflatable spreading tool to increasethe distance between the adjacent elongated members.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further including inserting a device between the adjacentelongated members, and subsequently deflating the inflatable spreadingtool.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the device is an anti-vibrationtechnology (AVT) device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the processequipment is a heat exchanger and the elongated members are tubes. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatable spreading tool includes aflat tubular member.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the flat tubularmember is a flat hose.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the flattubular member is a flat metallic tube.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the inflatable spreading tool is inflated with a gas.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the inflatable spreading tool is inflatedwith a liquid.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatablespreading tool includes a rigid strip to facilitate insertion betweentwo adjacent elongated members.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein adistal end of the inflatable spreading tool is welded to form a closedend.
 12. A system for use in an operation on a process equipment havingat least one bundle of elongated members comprising: an inflatablespreading tool including a tubular member having a proximal end and adistal end, the tubular member having a deflated state and an inflatedstate; the tubular member sized to fit between at least two adjacentelongated members when deflated, the two adjacent elongated membersbeing spaced an initial distance from each other, the inflatablespreading tool further including a coupling for fluid communication witha pressurizing source to inflate the tubular member to the inflatedstate, the tubular member capable of increasing the distance between theadjacent elongated members when the tubular member is in the inflatedstate.
 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a device sized tofit between at least two of the adjacent elongated members when thetubular member is in the inflated state.
 14. The system of claim 13,wherein the device is an anti-vibration technology (AVT) device.
 15. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the elongated members are tubes for a heatexchanger.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the fluid is selectedfrom a gas.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the fluid is selectedfrom a liquid.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the tubular member isselected from a flat hose and a flat metallic tube.
 19. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the tubular member is connected to a rigid strip tofacilitate insertion between to adjacent elongated members.
 20. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein a distal end of the inflatable spreadingtool is welded to form a closed end.